You’re considering an IT Strategy internship. What are the key factors to weigh?

1 Your goals and expectations

What do you hope to achieve from your IT Strategy internship? Do you want to learn specific tools, frameworks, or methodologies? Do you want to work on a particular type of project, industry, or domain? Do you want to build your portfolio, resume, or references? Do you want to test your fit for a full-time role or a graduate program? Be clear about your goals and expectations, and look for internships that align with them. You can also ask the potential employer or mentor about the learning outcomes, feedback mechanisms, and evaluation criteria of the internship.

3 The compensation and benefits

How much will you be paid for your IT Strategy internship, and what other benefits will you receive? While money may not be your main motivation, you should still be aware of the market rates and the legal requirements for internships in your location. Some internships may offer a stipend, a salary, or a performance-based bonus, while others may be unpaid or offer only academic credit. You should also factor in the costs of transportation, accommodation, equipment, and other expenses related to the internship. Additionally, you should look for internships that offer non-monetary benefits, such as mentoring, coaching, training, networking, access to resources, or career opportunities.

4 The culture and environment

What is the culture and environment of the organization or team that offers the IT Strategy internship? Do you share their values, vision, and mission? Do you feel comfortable with their communication style, work ethic, and feedback culture? Do you get along with your potential supervisor, mentor, or colleagues? Do you have opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow with them? The culture and environment of the internship can have a significant impact on your satisfaction, performance, and development. You can research the organization or team online, read reviews, or talk to current or former interns to get a sense of their culture and environment.

5 The relevance and impact

How relevant and impactful is the IT Strategy internship to your career aspirations, academic interests, or personal passions? Do you see yourself working in a similar role, industry, or domain in the future? Do you find the project or problem that you will work on meaningful, challenging, or interesting? Do you think that your skills, knowledge, or ideas will make a difference to the organization or the society? The relevance and impact of the internship can help you stay motivated, engaged, and inspired. You can also showcase your achievements, contributions, or learnings from the internship to potential employers, educators, or peers.

Choosing an IT Strategy internship can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it also requires careful research, planning, and decision-making. By considering these key factors, you can find an internship that suits your goals, preferences, and circumstances, and that helps you advance your IT Strategy skills and career.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?